The Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) is a state owned corporation founded under the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Youth Affairs. It was officially gazetted on 8th December 2006 and then converted into a State Corporation on 11th May 2007. The youth Fund is one of the primary flagship projects of Vision 2030, under the social pillar. Its vital focus is on enterprise development as a fundamental strategy that will increase economic possibilities for and participation by Kenyan Youth in nation-building.

The Kenya youth Fund seeks to create employment and job opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship and also encouraging them to be their own job creators and not being job seekers. It does this by presenting easy and affordable monetary and business development assistance services to Kenyan youth who are keen on the beginning or expanding businesses.

Qualifications for Youth fund in Kenya

To qualify for a loan with the Kenya Youth Fund, the Kenyan Youths must be in registered groups popularly know as “Chamas” from which they can come up with different business proposals and be prepared to seek financial assistance from the government via theYouth Fund Kenya.

Youth Fund loans are only awarded at the constituency level which makes it even more easy for youths in marginalized areas of the country to access and apply for the loan from their various constituency agencies known as the youths wing.

Types of Loans offered by the Youth Fund

1. Individual Start-Up Loan (Vuka Start-Up)

This type of youth fund loan targets youth who want to start commercial enterprises in Kenya. The loan is only awarded to youth with an alternative provable income and a viable business plan otherwise forget it. The loan applicant may use the loan for working capital or even purchase income generating assets.

2. Talanta Loan

Talanta loan from youth fund is granted to youth in the creative or performing arts. Loan Applicants may be partnerships, individuals, registered groups, and even companies owned and run by Kenyan youth.